Italy is a dream destination for many, known for its incredible history, delicious food, and stunning views. Visiting places like Venice and Rome can feel magical, like something out of a movie. But if you’re thinking about moving there, living in Italy is a different experience.
A lot of Italian Americans are getting their citizenship and planning to move to Italy, drawn by the idea of reconnecting with their roots. But moving here isn’t just about enjoying the good life. It’s about understanding how things work in daily life so you can get the most out of it. Before you move, it’s important to know what to expect. In this article, we will go over several practicalities you should know before moving to Italy.
1 – Understand the Italian healthcare system
Italy’s healthcare system, called the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN). It’s a public insurance system paid for by taxes and covers most medical needs once you’re a resident. But until you officially become a resident, you’ll need to make sure you’re covered in case you need medical help.
During the time you’re waiting, annual travel insurance will keep you covered in case you need to see a doctor or go to hospital. Without this insurance, you might end up paying out of pocket for any medical treatment you need, which can get expensive. Keep in mind that the bureaucracy in Italy is slow moving so you can end up waiting for residency much longer than you expect. It’s best to get good insurance coverage with this in mind.
After you become a resident, you can register with the SSN and start using public healthcare services. This covers things like doctor visits, hospital care, and prescriptions, usually at a lower cost. The quality of care is excellent and most hospitals and clinics are modern and efficient.
2 – You’ll need a visa or dual citizenship
When you’re planning to move to Italy, sorting out your visa and residency status is one of the first things you need to do. If you’re a dual citizen with Italy, you’re in luck because there’s no need to worry about getting a visa. However, even as a dual citizen, you’ll need to register your residence once you arrive.
For those without dual citizenship, you’ll need to apply for a visa before moving. The type of visa you’ll need depends on why you’re moving, whether it’s for work, school, retirement, or something else.
After you arrive in Italy, the next step is getting a residence permit, called a permesso di soggiorno. You need to apply for this permit within eight days of arriving in the country, even if you already have a visa. The process involves filling out forms, gathering some documents, and visiting the local immigration office.
3 – You’ll need to learn the language
Learning Italian is a big part of settling into life in Italy. While you’ll find some English speakers, especially in tourist spots, most things here are done in Italian. Knowing the language will help you with everyday tasks and make it easier to connect with people and feel at home.
If you’re moving to a big city like Rome or Milan, you might manage with little Italian at first, especially if you hang out with other expats. But in smaller towns or rural areas, English speakers are harder to find, so learning Italian becomes really important. And even in the big cities, when you have to deal with bureaucracy, everything will be in Italian so you’ll need help if you don’t speak the language.
Don’t worry if it takes time to get comfortable with the language. Italians generally appreciate it when you try to speak their language, and even if you’re not perfect, they’re usually patient and willing to help. The more you practice and get involved in daily life, the better your Italian will get, making your time in Italy even more enjoyable.
4 – Prepare for culture shock
Getting used to Italian culture is a big part of moving to Italy. The country is famous for its history, food, and traditions, but living here means adjusting to a different way of life, which might take some getting used to.
You’ll also find that life moves at a slower pace in Italy compared to what you might be used to. Whether you’re dealing with paperwork or just grabbing a coffee, things tend to take their time. This slower pace can be frustrating at first, but eventually, you’ll come to appreciate the more relaxed way of life.
Food is a huge part of Italian culture, and mealtimes are a big deal. Eating in Italy isn’t just about the food. It’s about spending time with family and friends. Meals are usually relaxed and can include several courses with lots of conversation.
